Cleveland Cavaliers lose one of their best shooters for at least 3 months, a first setback for title contenders
Apr 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) high-fives with head coach Kenny Atkinson in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat during game three for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Another setback for the Cleveland Cavaliers! Max Strus just underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot, sustained during a recent offseason workout. The 28-year-old guard will be sidelined for approximately three to four months, according to the team’s official announcement on Tuesday.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot sustained during recent offseason workout and will miss approximately 3 to 4 months.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2025
This injury represents a serious setback for Cleveland, who were counting on Strus as a starter to begin the 2025-2026 season. Having joined the Cavaliers two summers ago in a four-year, $63 million sign-and-trade deal, the former Heat player has played a pivotal role in Cleveland’s rise among Eastern Conference contenders.
A recurring pattern for Strus and Cleveland
Ironically, Strus had already missed the start of last season due to a right ankle sprain, also sustained during workouts. He was then absent for the first two months before returning to average 9.4 points and 3.2 assists while maintaining an excellent 38.6% shooting from 3-point range.
This new injury is part of a string of bad luck that seems to follow the Cavaliers. The team had already dealt with injuries to Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter during the Conference semifinals against the Pacers, while Donovan Mitchell was hampered by a calf issue.
At least one month of NBA without Strus
Strus’s recovery timeline means he will miss at minimum the first month of the regular season, which begins for Cleveland on October 22. Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen will need to carry the Cavaliers’ offense in the absence of their starting guard, hoping to avoid any other physical setbacks until then.
This situation forces the coaching staff to revise their plans for the season’s start, as the team aims to confirm its status as a serious contender in the East after two promising years.
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